There's something uniquely captivating about listening to two master musicians simply talk shop. When Nashville session legend Tom Bukovac (affectionately known as "Uncle Larry") sits down with Greg Koch for this episode of Chewing the Gristle, their conversation unfolds like a masterclass.

Bukovac pulls back the curtain on the Nashville session scene with refreshing candor. "It doesn't matter if you're playing for a barely signed new artist or Paul McCartney," he explains. "A sideman gig is a sideman gig. The only thing that changes is the dough and the prestige." This hard-earned wisdom comes from decades navigating an industry that demands technical perfection, psychological resilience, and emotional intelligence.

The episode weaves through fascinating territory – from Bukovac's journey giving himself just one year to make it in Nashville (spoiler: he was on a tour bus within months), to the psychological challenges of session work. "I've been on sessions when people hated everything I played," he admits. "I remember coming home from sessions crying because I felt like such a failure." Yet this vulnerability transformed into strength, creating an iron-clad professional who now plays alongside artists like Vince Gill.

Guitar enthusiasts will appreciate their deep dive into vintage instruments, including Bukovac's prized 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior. Their shared language of influences – from Hendrix to Albert King to Jerry Reed – reveals how deeply personal guitar playing remains despite its technical dimensions.

Perhaps most illuminating is Bukovac's perspective on what truly matters in music: "These are people's dreams you're working on. This is not just a session." That blend of technical mastery and emotional intelligence perfectly captures why some musicians remain eternally in demand.

Whether you're a working musician or simply love peeking behind the curtain of the music industry, this conversation delivers honest insights you won't find in guitar magazines or music documentaries. Subscribe now for more unfiltered conversations from the heart of American music.

Tyler Bryant's musical journey embodies the purest essence of artistic dedication. From the moment he left his tiny Texas town of 1,700 people at age 17, armed with nothing but talent and determination, his singular focus has been creating authentic music that resonates. That unwavering commitment has evolved into a Grammy-winning career spanning performance, songwriting, and production.

What strikes you immediately about Bryant is his refreshing perspective on success. Where once it meant packed venues and non-stop touring, he's found deeper fulfillment in creating meaningful music while maintaining balance. His current rhythm of 50-70 shows yearly complemented by studio work represents not a compromise but an evolution—one allowing him to truly savor each creative moment.

Bryant's production philosophy is equally enlightening. Rather than imposing his vision, he describes himself as "a professional appreciator" who helps artists recognize their most magical moments. "Hold on, do you realize when you do this, that's super badass? I have goosebumps," he explains. This approach has led to collaborations with artists ranging from Ruthie Foster to Rodney Crowell, culminating in Grammy recognition that Bryant humbly downplays, insisting "the work is the reward."

The conversation reveals a musician who's grown not just in skill but wisdom. From building a professional studio from scratch to recovering his beloved pink Stratocaster five years after it was stolen, Bryant approaches each experience with both passion and perspective. Now preparing for fatherhood with a baby due in August, he's entering yet another creative chapter—one where music and family harmonize completely. As he puts it, success today means "getting to make cool music as much as I possibly can and provide for my family." For anyone navigating their own creative path, Tyler Bryant offers the perfect reminder that authentic art happens when you follow what truly moves you.

Guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa returns to Chewing the Gristle, bringing his characteristic wit and wisdom as he prepares for an ambitious European tour season. This conversation between two master guitarists reveals the realities of sustaining a music career with both artistic integrity and business savvy.

Bonamassa takes us behind the scenes of his upcoming three-month European adventure, which includes solo performances, a Black Country Communion reunion after 14 years, and a special tribute to blues legend Rory Gallagher. The logistics are fascinating – he maintains duplicate touring rigs for Europe and America, a practical response to shipping costs that have nearly tripled since the pandemic.

The highlight comes when Bonamassa shares treasures from his 1,200+ instrument collection, including his beloved "Principal Skinner" 1959 Les Paul. Rather than treating these vintage pieces as museum exhibits, he plays them regularly, embracing each new ding and scratch as part of their continuing story. "They're not out here to be preserved," he explains, challenging the collector mentality that prioritizes value over music-making.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Bonamassa's candid assessment of music business realities. After discovering early in his career that middlemen were taking substantial portions of his performance fees, he developed a direct-to-consumer approach that has sustained his career. "My motto is I don't need millions, I just need enough," he shares, articulating a philosophy that values artistic fulfillment over commercial peaks.

For aspiring musicians, Bonamassa offers both sobering and inspiring advice: "You have to love this thing so much that you're willing to take a vow of poverty, still be happy, and can't live with yourself if you don't play." It's this unwavering passion, combined with business acumen, that has enabled his enduring career in the often unforgiving music industry.

Ready to hear more wisdom from one of blues rock's most successful independent artists? Subscribe now and journey through the musical landscape with Joe Bonamassa and your host, Greg Koch.

Greg Koch welcomes YouTube guitar sensation and touring musician Ben Eller (Uncle Ben) to the Gristle fire for a conversation that meanders from lighthearted Waffle House tales to profound insights about musical authenticity.

Ben shares how his guitar journey and popular YouTube channel were born from simple boredom - first as a homeschooled kid with time to kill, later as a guitar teacher with creative energy to burn. His candid "This is Why You Suck at Guitar" series emerged from the thoughts he couldn't express to frustrating students who never practiced. That unfiltered honesty resonated with viewers, launching an Internet teaching career that complements his diverse performing life.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when they explore how our earliest musical influences create the foundation for our tastes. From Ben's childhood memories of Van Halen's "Eruption" to Greg's transformative experience with Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland," they agree that understanding "where your clock starts" is essential to respecting diverse musical perspectives.

Perhaps most compelling is their mutual admiration for guitarists who communicate mastery without technical flash. "The hardest thing in the world," Ben notes, "is proving you're a supreme sorcerer without even breaching 16th notes" - a pointed commentary on today's "Instagram shred post era" where technical fireworks often overshadow musical substance.

Ben offers golden wisdom for creators navigating online criticism: "Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from." His ability to maintain positivity while acknowledging the gifts and challenges of internet fame reveals why his teaching connects so deeply.

The episode concludes with Ben sharing exciting upcoming projects, including a riff-focused solo album, potential metal ventures inspired by his recent stint with Mastodon, and comprehensive instructional courses revealing his "hidden Guitar Illuminati wisdom." 

Ready to chew some genuine musical gristle with two authentic guitar voices? This conversation delivers wisdom, laughs, and inspiration in equal measure.

What happens when two guitar virtuosos reunite after years apart? Greg Koch welcomes his former mentor Mike Irish to Chewing the Gristle for a masterclass in musical wisdom that spans far beyond technique.

Mike Irish, who taught at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point when Greg was a student, shares his refreshingly inclusive teaching philosophy that embraced students' existing musical interests instead of forcing them into traditional jazz molds. "I really had no desire to make more Joe Passes and Pat Martinos," Irish explains. "I just wanted to take the talent that was there and nudge them in directions they might be interested in." This approach proved transformative for many students, including Koch, who found validation for his genre-blending musical vision.

The conversation explores the practical realities of sustaining a music career through what Howard Roberts called "industrial guitar" – the bread-and-butter gigs that keep musicians afloat. Both men share stories from their journeys, from Irish's innovative approach to building jazz programs by focusing on small combos rather than big bands, to Koch's revelation about the creative and financial benefits of mastering solo guitar performance.

With warmth and humor, they discuss their musical influences, from Chet Atkins to James Brown, and reflect on how technology has transformed music education. "There's really no reason to suck at this point," Koch quips about the wealth of instructional content available online today – though both agree that motivation and thousands of practice hours remain irreplaceable.

Whether you're a guitarist, music educator, or simply appreciate heartfelt conversations between passionate creators, this episode offers insights into not just how to play, but how to build a sustainable, joyful musical life. Drop in on this reunion between two masters and hear how their musical paths have woven together across decades.

When blues powerhouse Albert Castiglia crossed paths with Bill Murray, neither could have predicted the musical partnership that would follow. In this captivating conversation with Greg Koch, Castiglia pulls back the curtain on how a Hollywood legend became his unexpected bandmate through a series of serendipitous connections that began with Murray's brother John.

"If Bill Murray wants to play in your band, you let him in your band," Castiglia remarks with characteristic humor. But beneath the celebrity factor lies a genuine musical connection that has taken them from intimate clubs to prestigious venues like Red Rocks. Far from seeking the spotlight, Murray approaches their collaboration with refreshing humility, insisting on equal billing and content to play percussion while occasionally stepping forward for a song. The audience response has been electric, with fans sometimes appearing in Ghostbusters costumes, moved to tears by Murray's magnetic stage presence.

Castiglia's own journey through the blues landscape reveals the persistence required to build a sustainable career. From his early influences (discovering blues through Clapton and Johnny Winter's productions with Muddy Waters) to navigating the catch-22 of needing both a record deal and booking agent simultaneously, he speaks candidly about industry challenges. After cycling through five agencies, finding the right representation finally allowed him to expand from 100 shows annually to between 150-200 performances a year.

The conversation touches on deeper themes of artistic growth, with Castiglia recently incorporating Coltrane's "Afro Blue" into his setlists after being inspired by Derek Trucks. He also reflects on lifestyle changes that have sustained his longevity, embracing sobriety after COVID and taking up boxing and Kung Fu to maintain his energy for grueling tour schedules. "I do this for the memories," he explains, capturing the essence of why musicians endure the hardships of the road.

Ready to experience a genuine conversation between two musicians who've weathered decades in the business? Subscribe now and join us for more candid talks with roots music's most compelling voices.

Dave Hill seamlessly blends virtuosic guitar playing with razor-sharp comedy, creating an entirely unique performance experience that defies categorization. In this captivating conversation with Greg Koch, Dave reveals the unexpected path that led him from his Cleveland roots as a rock musician to becoming a multifaceted comedian, author, and performer in New York City.

The heart of Dave's artistic evolution came when he discovered audiences found genuine humor in his guitar prowess. "When I realized that people were laughing at guitar solos—not in a mocking way—I started doing things like tapping," Dave explains. This revelation transformed his approach, allowing him to stretch 10 minutes of material into 20 while "getting laughs in different ways" and developing his signature style of berating his backing musicians between impressive solos.

What makes Dave's performances particularly fascinating is his "Chuck Berry style" approach to working with local musicians. Often meeting his backing band just hours (or sometimes minutes) before showtime, he transforms this unpredictability into comedic gold. Whether performing with legendary musicians like Benmont Tench from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers or with drummers who "own drums at best," Dave embraces the chaos as part of his art form.

The conversation drifts through numerous fascinating detours, from their shared Catholic upbringings to the unpredictable nature of social media virality. Dave shares stories about opening for Tenacious D in arenas, writing four books, and crafting the theme song for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver with his band Valley Lodge. Through it all, his creative philosophy remains refreshingly simple: "You really can only entertain yourself... anytime you're thinking 'what do people want,' that's not part of the equation."

Follow Dave on social media for his hilarious "fake commercials" and check out his band Valley Lodge for a taste of his musical side. As Dave puts it: "I'm feral, this is what I do... now I just have to ride it out until I die, because that's the only option really."

Seth Rosenbloom, the fiery young blues guitarist from Massachusetts, brings his wealth of musical knowledge and performing experience to the Chewing the Gristle podcast. What begins as a gear chat about Two Rock amplifiers quickly evolves into a fascinating exploration of musical authenticity and the hard realities of making a living as a performing musician.

When Seth discovered his prized 1956 Stratocaster at Lark Street Music, it changed his entire perspective on the instrument. "It's not as bright as I associated with maple neck Strats," he explains, highlighting how vintage instruments often defy our modern expectations. The same revelation occurred when he first played genuine 1950s Les Pauls with their bell-like clarity, so different from the heavier, woofier sound of later models. These insights reveal how our perceptions of iconic instruments are often shaped by mass-produced versions rather than the originals that created their legendary status.

The conversation takes a compelling turn as Seth shares his journey from metal-loving teenager to blues guitarist. A pivotal moment came when his mother, hoping to discourage his musical aspirations, took him to see an up-and-coming blues player at a small jazz club - Joe Bonamassa. Rather than dissuading Seth, the experience ignited his passion for blues guitar. With his father's cautious blessing (himself a professional classical musician), Seth eventually dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time, a decision that shaped his career path.

What truly sets this episode apart is the candid discussion about the business realities musicians face. From the challenge of finding good booking agents to the economics of small venues, Seth and Greg pull back the curtain on aspects of performing that fans rarely consider. "Getting a record deal is almost easy in comparison to getting a decent booking agent," Greg notes, while Seth reveals why he consistently performs better in seated venues than standing rock clubs.

Ready to discover how professional musicians navigate the modern industry while staying true to their artistic vision? Subscribe now and join us for more authentic conversations with the most interesting players in music today.

What does it take to become a musical chameleon who commands respect across diverse genres? Daniel Kimbro delivers a masterclass in musical versatility on this episode of Chewing the Gristle.

From his beginnings in a family folk band called Mountain Soul to his current status as bassist for Jerry Douglas and session player on Eric Clapton records, Daniel shares the winding path that shaped his musical identity. With disarming honesty, he reveals how growing up surrounded by Stanley Brothers, Sting, and classical music created the perfect foundation for a career that refuses categorization.

Daniel takes us deep into the heart of Appalachian musical traditions, particularly the fascinating world of murder ballads – those deceptively cheerful melodies paired with dark narratives. His own songwriting draws from this tradition, including "Loyston," a haunting tale about a town submerged underwater when the Tennessee Valley Authority built dams across the region. The conversation explores how these songs balance historical reality with creative embellishment, creating something both authentic and original.

Whether you're a musician seeking to diversify your influences or simply curious about the connections between bluegrass, jazz, and everything in between, this conversation offers rich insights into finding your authentic voice while honoring musical traditions. Check out Daniel's music and keep an eye out for The Woodshed Guitar Experience, where he serves as music director alongside world-class guitarists sharing knowledge in an unusually accessible environment.

Ever wondered how blues rock guitar maestro Jeff McErlain from Brooklyn, New York, balances the dual life of performing and teaching? Join us on a soulful journey as we chat with Jeff about his thriving career, his popular teaching platform jmguitarlessons.com, and his engaging YouTube content. You'll get a glimpse into the camaraderie and shared stories that highlight our musical lives' unique challenges and joys, from the practicalities of touring to the ever-present dilemma of choosing the perfect wardrobe for video appearances.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into live music performance, where we debate the merits of traditional amplifiers versus digital equipment like the Fractal. Spontaneity and improvisation take center stage as we share personal anecdotes about balancing performance dynamics with venue restrictions. We also discuss the evolving dynamics of live gigs, the significance of sound management, and the challenges musicians face with volume control. From the benefits of in-ear monitors for hearing protection to the impact of audience feedback on our live performances, every detail is covered to give you an inside look at the life of a musician.

As the episode wraps up, we explore the transition from the traditional music business to the digital age, emphasizing the importance of adapting to industry changes and maintaining a successful online presence. Jeff shares his journey of balancing a career in teaching and performing in the bustling landscape of New York City, touching on the misconceptions about the musician's lifestyle and the financial realities of touring. Reflect on the evolution of live music, the joy of rediscovering our passion for performing, and the deep bond we share with our instruments. This heartfelt discussion underscores the importance of innovation, dedication, and the irreplaceable energy of live performances.